Frequently Asked Questions about FE

What is the philosophy behind the Formula Experience Class Rules?
Simple answer: cost control

Long answer: exciting racing at an affordable level. Sports cars rather than Formula One Race cars.

Key points of the class rules:

Boards = BIC Techno Formula, Starboard ASA 136 and 156 plus the new Starboard FE Tufskin Formula 160 and 117

Masts = 75 percent or less carbon

Booms = Alloy

Sails = No more than 7 battens and 3 cams

Fins = Two maximum. The original equipment (from any approved board, from any year) and smaller size in the same product line.

Masts with 50-75% carbon fibres are cheaper and more durable than the full carbon versions, yet still very light. The difference between a 75% and a 100% mast is roughly 300 grams although admittedly, the $1500 masts are considerably lighter.

As it is impossible to measure carbon content at an event, we had to "translate" the carbon content into weight per length. Of course, as in any rule, there are always border line cases and it is impossible to write a rule that will allow exactly what you want and exclude everything you do not want.

All rules have their pros and cons. Yes, they limit you somewhat in optimizing your equipment but for us the pros outweigh the cons by far:

You can buy a set of equipment and go racing without having to worry about buying special race fins, a super light weight full carbon mast an much more, just to be competitive.

And most importantly, it opens competition for those sailors living in countries where a couple of hundred, let alone several thousand Euros or Dollars more is the difference between competing or staying on the beach because of lack of money.

FAQ

Why alloy booms only?
Aluminum alloy booms are both light and inexpensive (1/3 the cost of a carbon boom)

Where to buy aluminum alloy booms?
Some producers of alloy booms are:
Chinook (www.chinooksailing.com)
Nautix (www.nautix.com)
Windsurfing Hawaii
Neil Pryde
Gulftech
Hawaiian Pro Line (www.hawaiianproline.com)
Naish (www.naishsails.com)
Gun

Can I modify the boom? As in tubes, front or back end?
You cannot fit anything out of carbon. You may add an adjustable outhaul if you wish.

Click here for the 2006 approved equipment list.

How to get a class legal mast:
First check if the mast is on the list of approved masts. If not, before the event, contact the Technical Committee to see if they have additional info. The Chairman of the Technical committee is Charles Ivey or during an event, contact the Measurer to have it measured.

Can I add weight to a 100% carbon mast to make it class legal?
No.

If a two piece mast is stuck together, intentionally or due to sand or salt, can it then be weighed in as a one piece mast?
No. It is still a two piece mast.

Can I use bottom and top ends of different brands mixed together?
As long as the combination meets the class rules

Can I use 100% carbon mastfoot or top extensions?
Yes as long as it is an extension. A 2-meter pole does not qualify as an extension

Which sails can I use?
For all sails the following applies: any sail with 3 cams or less and a maximum of 7 full length battens. The number of small leech battens is free.

Why?
To keep the cost down.

Can I remove a cam in a 4 cam sail to make it class legal?
Yes as long as you notify the measurer before the first start of the event. At no time during that event, the cam can than be used, not even when the sail is just lying on the beach. Which cam you want to remove does not matter.

And removing an 8th batten?
The same applies but the class or the organizer cannot be held responsible is this results in damage to your sail. Again, which batten you want to remove is up to you.

What about a top gaff?
A top gaff (a very small batten in the very top of the sail like e.g. a NP V8 has) is not considered a full length batten in the sense of the class rules. The definition is as follows: "a sail stiffening device" at the head of the sail within 50mm of the top edge tabling seams as a "corner board".

Which fins can I use?
All fins that either Starboard or Bic supply as standard fins with the ASA boards. Also fins supplied in the past if they changed fins over the years. Change down fins must be of the same series! So a standard 70cm and a $400 65 is not allowed.

Can I put a standard Starboard fin in a Bic or vice versa?
Yes, if you want.

Boards. Can I alter the board in any way?
No. You cannot change anything to the hull and inserts. You can change the footstraps if you like but you cannot add or replace the inserts.

Can I repair the board?
Yes as long as nothing is altered in any way. If in doubt, consult a measurer

The FE class tries to keep the cost down but is second hand equipment, even if it does not meet the class rules, not cheaper?
Yes and no. Some may get their hands on second hand Formula Windsurfing equipment that is actually lower in cost than new Formula Experience equipment. There are however some side effects. Those that cannot, for whatever reason, buy second hand equipment are then forced to buy new. But, to stay competitive, they will have to buy the more expensive full Formula Windsurfing gear and the whole idea of a cheaper class is lost.